Hey guys, sorry that I updated a few days later than I promised, this chapter came out a big longer than expected.
However this is the second and last chapter about Michelle's birthday, I really enjoyed writing these two chapters and I hoped you liked it as well :)
However here is chapter 6 , I hope you enjoy it :)
''Michelle?'' Michelle heard Hunter shouting her name through the hallways of the studio, but she ignored him. She just wanted to be alone for a moment. She walked out of the studio and crossed the busy street. After a few blocks of walking, Michelle noticed a bench. She sat down on the bench and thought about a few things. About her birthday that no one remembered. She also thought about Hunter's story, about how he told how Madison was after she left to Toronto. She thought about all the people she had let down back in Madison. She thought about the divorce of her parents, how terribly she misses her mom. But she mostly thought of Hunter.
While she was thinking she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. So Michelle grabbed her phone and she saw that she got a voice message from a blocked number. She unlocked her phone and clicked on the message to listen to it.
''Hello Michelle! Happy birthday, sweetie! It's your mom. I hope you have a wonderful day with all your friends in Toronto. I wish I could have visited you today, but I am so busy with work… So you're finally eighteen! Officially an adult now. I still remember holding you as a tiny baby in my arms, it's just unbelievable how fast time runs… However honey, I'll call you soon! I miss you very much and I love you Michelle. Enjoy your day!''
After hearing the message, Michelle putted her phone away and a few tears escaped from her eyes.
''Michelle, is that you.'' A voice asked. Michelle turned around to see who it was. It was Chloe, who was wearing her regular dance clothes, she seemed like she was in a hurry.
''Oh, hi Chloe.'' Michelle greeted as she quickly wiped away her tears.
''Are you crying?'' Chloe asked. ''Why are you crying on your birthday? And why aren't you in the studio.
''At least you remembered my birthday,'' Michelle replied.
''What do you mean?'' Chloe asked slightly confused as she took a seat next to Michelle on the bench.
''Everyone forgot my birthday.'' Michelle said sadly.
'' They did?'' Chloe responded slightly shocked. ''I'm so sorry.''
''It's okay, I guess.'' Michelle said.
''But don't let them ruin your birthday.'' Chloe stated. ''So they have forgotten your birthday, but I'm sure there are plenty of other people who didn't. For example, me.'' Chloe said.
''Yeah, you're right.'' Michelle replied. ''I guess I'm overreacting.''
''It doesn't matter.'' Chloe smiled. ''But can I tell you something?'' She asked.
''Sure.'' Michelle responded.
''To be honest, I am not very excited when my birthday comes.'' Chloe said.
''Why?'' Michelle asked confused.
''Because my family hasn't have that much money, they can't afford much presents for me. That kind of bothers me, every year.'' Chloe said.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Chloe." Michelle said.
"Don't be." Chloe replied. "Because every year on my birthday, my mom invites the whole family over, she then also cookes a fantastic diner and bakes a delicious apple pie. And we play a lot of games with the family, sing karoake, dance and watch a movie all together. But what I am trying to say, don't let one negative thing ruin your day, just forget about it and enjoy your day. You only celebrate your birthday once a year." Chloe told.
Michelle gave a small to Chloe. "Thanks for sharing that Chloe, I feel a bit better now."
"Any time, Michelle." Chloe smiled back. "So are you coming, because I think we're pretty late."
"No, I am skipping practise today." Michelle answered.
"Are you sure?" Chloe asked one final time. Michelle nodded.
"Alright, stay strong Michelle." Chloe said. "And a happy birthday."
"Thanks." Michelle smiled. Chloe smiled back and headed towards the studio. A little while later Hunter walked around the corner, worried and slightly tired.
"Michelle, there you are." Hunter said. "I've been searching for you. Luckily I found Chloe on the way." Hunter said as he took a seat next to Michelle.
"Well, you found me." Michelle responded.
"I am very sorry for what happened at the studio a moment ago." Hunter apologized.
"Why would you apologized?" Michelle wondered. "It's not like you did something wrong."
"Are you okay, Michelle?" Hunter asked. "I am slightly worried about you."
"I don't know Hunter." Michelle replied. "I've been thinking since you told me the story about Madison.
"Thinking about what?" Hunter wondered.
"Home." Michelle said.
"Can you be a bit more specific?" Hunter asked.
"I miss home, Hunter." Michelle said sadly. "I miss Madison."
"I totally understand Michelle, you're just a bit homesick." Hunter said. "I'm sometimes homesick as well."
"No, you don't understand." Michelle said. "Since you told me about how I left Madison and 'broke' the studio, I felt very guilty. I wished there was a way I can fix things again. Also I thought a lot about my mom, I miss her extremely. And when I think about her, I immediatly start thinking of our house in Madison. The house where I learned to speak, to walk, how to eat with a spoon, how to dance... My whole childhood is in Madison. I guess my whole life is in Madison as well, Hunter. I spend over seventeen years there, with school, dancing, all my friends..."
"What are you trying to say Michelle?"
"I want to move in with my mom, in Madison." Michelle finally said.
"No, no, no, Michelle." Hunter reacted. "You can't be meaning that. Your whole life is her now. You go to school here, you made some amazing friends, we are going to Internationals together, you can't leave it behind just like that. Do you know how deveasted A-Troupe will be if you left the studio? Especially before Internationals?"
"That's why I want to move after Internationals." Michelle said.
"But still, they never can replace someone like you, you're the sweetest, nicest and most caring person of the whole studio, and you are the captain. We all look up to you." Hunter said frustrated.
Michelle shook her head. "I am sorry, Hunter."
Hunter took a big sigh. "Michelle, just forget what I just said okay. It's your choice and I know I can't change that. But please think about, you don't have to decide immediatly, take the time you need. But think please, this is a huge decision. "
"Alright, I will think about it, Hunter." Michelle said.
"Great, I just hope I won't lose you again, Michelle." Hunter said as he gave Michelle a tight hug. Michelle hugged him back. After a while they pulled away. "I'm sorry for being so emotional. Is there any chance we could forget this conversation?"
"Which conversation?" Michelle asked. Hunter chuckled.
"So what do you want to do?" Hunter asked.
"Nothing, I guess I want to be alone for a while. I'm going to Culture Shock drink a milkshake and read a magazine or something."Michelle said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah." Michelle answered.
"Okay, but if you need something, you know where to find me." Hunter said as he stood up and walked into the direction of the studio.
"Hunter!" Michelle called. Hunter stood still and turned around. "I want to thank you for your gift and the great morning you gave me, I really appreciate it."
Hunter smiled. "Happy birthday Michelle.'' He continued his walk to the studio. During the walk he grabbed his phone. He needed to discuss with A-Troupe what just happened. So he opened WhatsApp and created a group with everyone A-Troupe dancer on it, except Michelle. He quickly sent a message.
Hunter: What the heck was that guys?
A few seconds later he immediately got a reply.
Beth: We're so sorry Hunter
West: We feel very guilty, we didn't knew
Hunter: I reminded all of you last week, how could you forget it so quickly?
Giselle: We don't know Hunter… I guess we were so focused on the dancing
Chloe: Come on guys, stop arguing, instead we could think of a way how we could make it up to her
Talia: You're right Chloe
Hunter: What is your plan Chloe
Chloe: I don't know yet
Eldon: What if we organize a surprise party, I'm sure she will appreciate it
Hunter: That's actually a great idea, Eldon
Eldon: I know :-P
Amanda: That's not a bad idea, Eldon. But how are we gonna organize a surprise party in a few hours?
Hunter: I think I got a plan
Giselle: Tell us
Hunter: I will be at the studio in just a minute. In the meantime, could one of you ask Kate if we can get this day of? It's really important
Emily: Sure, I'll ask
Hunter: Great, see you all in a minute
After he sent that message he putted his phone back in his pocket and headed towards The Next Step. As he almost reached the studio, he realized something. So he quickly dialed a number and called someone.
''Hello?'' The person on the other line asked.
''Hey Hailey, it's me Hunter.'' Hunter started.
''Hey, what's up?'' Hailey asked.
''I am just wondering, are you done with your dance training?'' Hunter asked.
''Uh, yeah… I just finished five minutes ago, I'm waiting for the bus to take me home.
''The bus you take, drives through downtown Toronto right?''
''Yeah, why do you asked.'' Hailey wondered.
''Because I need you to do a favor for me.'' Hunter said.
''Sure, what is that favor?'' Hailey asked.
''Well, you need to go to Culture Shock.'' Hunter said.
''And grab you a caramel frappucino?'' Hailey wondered.
''No, not that-''
''Of course, I'm sorry… You want a chocolate-chip muffin.'' Hailey interrupted.
"No Hail, just listen.'' Hunter said. ''I need you to go to Culture Shock and distract Michelle for a while, okay?''
''Why? If I may ask?''
''Well, it's a bit of a long story. But we're organizing a surprise party for Michelle.'' Hunter explained.
''That's very sweet of you guys.''
''I know.'' Hunter said. ''So do you want to do that?''
''Of course I will.'' Hailey said. ''For how long do I have to distract here?''
''That's a good question, I don't know yet.'' Hunter said. ''I'll send you some texts soon.''
''Alright.'' Hailey replied.
''Remember, don't let her go home! I am counting on you Hailey.''
''I won't let you down Hunter.'' Hailey finally said before she hang up on the phone. Hunter putted his phone back in his pocket and headed back to the studio. After two minutes he reached the main studio and met A-Troupe.
''Great to see you guys.'' Hunter began to grab the attention of the others. The A-Troupe dancers gathered with a half circle around him. ''So, we are going to organize a party for Michelle, I have a whole idea in my head about how we are going to handle this. But first let me take a quick call.'' Hunter said as he quickly walked towards a corner so he could take a call.
''Do you guys think this will really work?'' Daniel wondered. ''Because I don't think a surprise party will make everything better. We still forgot her birthday.''
''We know, she probably will not forgive us for hundred percent, but it's the thought that counts.'' Chloe said.
''Yeah, it shows that we care a lot about her.'' James added.
''Hope, you guys are right.'' Daniel said. The A-Troupe discussed some things before Hunter came back from his phone conversation.
''Great news guys!'' Hunter said. ''I had Michelle's dad on the phone, and he gave us permission to use their house for the surprise party.''
''That's amazing.'' West said. ''She surely wouldn't expect a surprise party at home.''
''Exactly.'' Hunter said. ''He said there is an extra key under the doormat. And we're only allowed to stay in the kitchen, living room and the garden.'' Hunter added. ''And Emily, did you ask Kate if we could get the day of?''
''She said it was okay.'' Emily said. ''But we have to practice as twice as hard tomorrow.''
''Great.'' Hunter said. ''And do you know why Riley isn't here today?'' Hunter wondered. Emily thought quickly.
''She… Doesn't… feel well.'' Emily said.
''Aw, that's too bad. She doesn't know what she's missing.'' Hunter said. ''However, back to business, I made a task list for everyone: Eldon and James, you guys take care of the snacks. Amanda and Talia you two take care of the drinks. West and Daniel you take care of the decoration. Giselle, you can make a music playlist for the party and Chloe I give you the task to supervice the group." Hunter said. "Because I think you're the most responsible." He whispered in her ear. Chloe smiled and nodded.
"Uhm, what's her address?" James asked. "Because I never went to her house before."
"Don't worry, I'll send you all the address." Hunter said.
"And what about Michelle?" Thalia wondered. "Who knows where she is, she could probably be at home now."
"Don't worry Thalia, I got it all covered." Hunter said. "Is everything clear for everyone? So yeah, let's get to work! Keep me up-to-date!" He said as the A-Troupe left the studio, except Beth.
"Hunter, you didn't gave me a task." Beth mentioned.
"That's right." Hunter replied. "Because I have a special task for you."
"What is it?" Beth wondered.
"Let me tell you." Beth started. "You may know that Michelle's parents are divorced right? And Michelle mentioned to me that she misses her mom extremely. Her mom lives in Madison and I am sure that Michelle would really love it if her mok would visit her in Toronto for her eighteenth birthday today. So I wanted to ask you if you could convince Michelle's mother to come to Toronto today."
"How am I supposed to do that?" Beth wondered.
"I don't know. Your the smartest out here, you can figure something." Hunter said. Beth smiled.
"But I don't know Michelle that well, and-"
"Please Beth," Hunter begged. "Do it for Michelle, for the team." Beth quickly thought.
"Fine." Beth finally said. "Do you have a phone number?" Hunter smiled.
"I knew I could count on you!" Hunter said as he gave Beth a hug, after a few seconds he pulled away. "I'll text you the number." Hunter said as he grabbed his phone.
"How did you get that number anyway?" Beth asked.
"You can google everything nowdays." Hunter said while he was sending the number to Beth. "And... Sent!"
"Great." Beth responded. "But what are you going to do?" Hunter chuckled.
"That's a surprise Beth. You'll see it in just a few hours." Hunter said.
(-)
Hailey stepped out of the bus as she finally reached the centre of Toronto after a 10 minutes drive. She made a walk to Culture Shock, the place Hunter asked her to distract Michelle for an undetermined time. After a walk of two minutes she reached Culture Shock. Hailey looked through the windows, hoping she would see Michelle, after a while she finally found her sitting on a chair at the corner of Culture Shock. After Hailey was sure Michelle was sure Michelle was sitting there, she walked in the shop. As she walked him she ordered a strawberry smoothie and sat a few tables away from Michelle. When Hailey got her drink from a waitress, Michelle noticed Hailey. This was a great way of killing the time, instead of walking immediately to Michelle.
''Hailey? Is that you?'' Michelle asked. Hailey looked at the direction where the voice came from.
'''Michelle! I didn't noticed you.'' Hailey lied. ''Is it okay if I join you?''
''Sure!'' Michelle said. Hailey walked up to Michelle's table and took a seat right across Michelle. ''What brings you here?''
''I go to Culture Shock once a week to threat myself a drink.'' Hailey said. ''What about you? Don't you have dance practice?''
(-)
''No, I found this one better.'' West said to Daniel. Daniel and West were currently at a party shop where you can buy decorations, costumes and other party stuff. They couldn't agree with each other about which kind of decorations they should take.
''Why, you clearly see this garlands are longer and cheaper.'' Daniel said.
''But that color…''
''What's wrong with the color?'' Daniel wondered.
''Well, it's pink.'' West said.
''What's wrong with pink, West?'' Daniel asked.
''I don't have a problem with color pink.'' West said. ''It just bothers me that the color is just pink.''
''I guess you have to deal with it.'' Daniel said. ''Because pink is Michelle's favorite color.''
''So?'' West reacted. ''I don't want Michelle to think that here house has changed into a big piece of cotton candy.''
''What did you had in mind then?'' Daniel said as he crossed his arms.
''Glad you asked.'' West said. ''What I had in mind; Bright colors, happy color. Rainbows and smiley faces everywhere.''
''That's definitely not going to happen.'' Daniel said.'
''Why not? It's a great idea!'' West stated.
''A great idea if you want to organize a party for a group of hippies.'' Daniel said.
''Ey, hippies were a peaceful group of people!'' West said.
''That right, but they smelled badly, were very hairy and don't let me talk about the stuff they just to smoke!'' Daniel said.
''Dude, my idea is so much better than your girly unicorn-theme!'' West said.
''Hey, the color pink isn't girly at all!'' Daniel stated. ''And I didn't mention anything about unicorns!''
''You know what? Let me call Chloe and ask her which idea she founds better.'' West suggested.
''Great! An idea where we both agree on!'' Daniel said sarcastic. West gave Daniel a glare before he grabbed his phone and dialed Chloe's number. After a few seconds, they heard Chloe's voice on the other line. West putted the phone on loud speaker.
''Hello?'' Chloe asked.
''Hey Chloe, it's West… and Daniel.'' West said as he gave a glare to Daniel.
''Okay, is there a problem?'' Chloe wondered.
''Yes, there actually is.'' West replied. ''Daniel and I are having a small argument about the decorations for Michelle's party.''
''What were your ideas?''Chloe asked.
''Well I thought we would decorate everything in pink.'' Daniel said. ''Since pink is Michelle's favorite color, I thought it would be a great idea.''
''My idea was the decorate everything in bright and happy colors.'' West said. ''Since it is a party it has to be happy right?''
''Well, why not both?'' Chloe suggested.
''What do you mean?'' West asked.
''Just do both! West you can decorate the garden and Daniel, you the inside.''
''That's not a bad idea.'' Daniel said.
''Yeah, it could work.'' West agreed.
''See, there is a solution for everything.'' Chloe said. ''I got to go guys, good luck.'' Chloe hanged up.
''Yeah, Daniel. Good luck.'' West said.
''You too. May the best decoration win.'' Daniel said. ''And I certainly don't hope it will rain.'' West gave Daniel a final glare before he went searching for his decorations.
(-)
''That sucks, Michelle.'' Hailey reacted after Michelle told everything what happened. ''But can I tell you a story?''
''Sure, Hailey.'' Michelle said.
''As you know, I dance at Elite. And every year if it is my birthday I go dance at the studio. I've been dancing for almost nine years at Elite, and no one has ever told me 'congratulations, Hailey.' or an simple 'happy birthday, Hailey."
"Sorry to hear that." Michelle said.
"Don't be." Hailey smiled. "It did kind of bothered me, the first two or three years, but then I realised that it is my birthday. A very special day for everyone. On that day, I do the thing that I loved the most, dancing. I didn't let other people ruine that special day for me, dancing is all I need."
Michelle smiled. "Hailey, you are one of the most special person I met." Hailey smiled.
"Thanks Michelle." Hailey smiled. "But everyone is special, every human being has something unique. But there is one thing that everyone has common with each other: We all make mistakes. And you won't let that mistake what your team made ruin this special for you? Just do what you love the most." Hailey said.
"Dancing, I guess." Michelle said with a smile.
"Exactly! Let's go dance!" Hailey said.
"So Hailey, do you want to see The Next Step dance studio?" Michelle said.
"Of course, I would love that!" Hailey responded excitedly.
"Let's go then!"
(-)
"That is amazing! I'm sure Michelle will be very surprised! I really appreciate you're time. Thank you! Goodbye!" Beth said before she disconnected the phone call. Beth then immediately went to call Hunter.
"Hey Beth, what's up?" Hunter greeted.
"Well, I have great news, after a long phone conversation I had finally convinced Michelle's mom to come to Toronto!" Beth mentioned excited.
"That's fantastic news Beth! I knew you could do it!" Hunter complimented.
"Thanks Hunter." Beth said. "It wasn't that easy. She was working at the moment, so she had to leave her job few hours early. She then has to drive home from her work place which takes 30 minutes, and from there she has to drive two and an half hours to Toronto. So she really hopes she can make it before six, but she can't promise anything."
"It's okay." Hunter said. "We at least know that she is coming."
"Exactly." Beth said.
"Thanks Beth." Hunter said. "For helping at the party, and helping with my exams and stuff. I really appreciate it."
"It's no big deal, Hunter.'' Beth said. "The party you're organizing for Michelle, I think it's very kind of. Everyone of A-Troupe should be happy having you as a team-mate and friend."
"Thanks Beth, that's very nice of you." Hunter thanked. It was silent for a moment.
"So, I think I'm going to Michelle's house, helping the other." Beth said.
"Yeah, you should do that. I'll see you there." Hunter said.
"Bye."
(-)
Hunter: Hey Hailey. We just need to decorate the house and then we're done, so we just need another hour. Can you keep Michelle busy a bit longer?
Hailey: Of course : ) , everything going well over there?
Hunter: Yeah it's going great. Good luck with Michelle and I see u later
Hunter putted his phone back in his pocket and he observed Michelle's house to make sure that everything went well. They still had to decorate the house though. But Daniel and West hadn't returned yet.
''It looks great, guys!'' Hunter complimented. ''But have one you heard something from West and or Daniel?''
''No, man. James and I tried to call and message them, but we got nothing back.'' Eldon said.
''Should I go look for them?'' James suggested.
''Please, we have waited long enough.'' Hunter said.
''Alright, I'll text Eldon or you if I catch something of time.'' James said before he left the house.
''Hunter.'' Giselle said. ''I was just looking through the storage room and I found a lot of decorations like balloon, confetti, party poppers and party heads. So is it a idea to start decorating this house, incase West and Daniel come late.''
''Good idea, Giselle.'' Hunter said. ''And have you made a music playlist by the way?''
''Yes I did.'' Giselle said. ''It contains some trending music, some dance music, dub step, trap and a slow song.''
''Great!'' Hunter said. ''So shall we begin with decorating?''
(-)
Hailey and Michelle walked in the main studio of The Next Step.
''This is the main studio of The Next Step.'' Michelle said.
''It's surely is a lot smaller than I expected.'' Hailey mentioned. ''This is half the size of Elite's studio.''
''I know it isn't that big, but this is surely my favorite place to be.'' Michelle said. ''I just wonder where everyone is, normally practice will end over 30 minutes.''
''Hey Michelle, what are you doing here?'' A voice behind the two asked. They turned around and it was Phoebe.
''Hi Phoebe, I'm just you showing around Hailey in the studio, Hailey is Hunter's cousin.'' Michelle said.
''Hi Hailey, I'm Phoebe, nice to meet you.'' Phoebe introduced and shook the hand of the younger girl.
''Hi, nice to meet you as well.'' Hailey said back.
''I hope you like this studio.'' Phoebe said.
''I like it, it's different than the others.'' Hailey said.
''Glad to hear that.'' Phoebe smiled.
''But Phoebe?'' Michelle said. ''Do you know where everyone is?'''
''Well, Kate canceled today's practice since Riley and you weren't joining today and I was a bit late., but I don't know where they went.'' Phoebe said.
''Thanks Phoebe.'' Michelle said. ''I guess we continue the tour and just leave afterwards.''
''Can I suggest something?'' Hailey wondered. ''This may sound be a bit silly, but since I saw you dance at Nationals it became a small dream of mine to dance with you. So I was wondering if-''
''It isn't silly Hailey. Of course I'd like to dance with you!'' Michelle smiled. ''Phoebe, is it okay if we use the studio?''
''Of course! Stay as long as you want! It's your birthday though.'' Phoebe smiled.
''You remembered.'' Michelle smiled.
''Of course I did.'' Phoebe said. ''You two have fun.'' She said before she went to the office.
(-)
''How long does it take to pick a buy some stuff?'' Daniel asked as he and West walked out of the shop with large bags in their hands. ''I'm sure everyone is waiting for us now.''
''We would be done 30 minutes ago, if you had agree with my idea.'' West mentioned. ''But you were so selfish as always and only think what's the best for you.''
''What does that mean.'' Daniel said.
''Just forget it Daniel, we're already late. I don't want to start an argument right now.'' West said as they walked towards Daniel's car.
''Right. It's not about us. We're doing this for Michelle.'' Daniel stated.
''Exactly.'' West agreed. ''Let's go.'' West and Daniel stepped in the car. Daniel started the car but it won't move from his spot. Soon Daniel realized his car is out of gasoline. ''Please don't tell me that you forgot to tank the car.'' West said.
''I would lie if I didn't.'' Daniel said.
''Then lie to me.'' West said. ''I don't want to hear or believe it.''
''Look West, it is normally a ten minutes drive to Michelle's, so walking wouldn't take that long. If we hurry we would reach Michelle's house in… 45… Minutes.'' Daniel thought out loud.
''What a drama!'' West said dramatic. ''We will never make it.''
''But we have to go West.'' Daniel said. ''Everyone is counting on us.''
West took a big sigh. ''Fine. Let's go.'' West said and the two boys both stepped out of the car and started a long journey towards Michelle's house.''
(-)
Hailey: Yo Hunter, we're on the bus towards her home ,I tried but I couldn't keep her longer
Hunter: It's ok. We have everything done. Thanks a lot.
Hailey: Anytime Hunt, I actually had a lot of fun with Michelle today
Hunter: Glad to hear that :) Remember that you have the step out the bus two stops before her actually stop
Hailey: Sure no problem, see you later at the party.
Hailey putted her phone back in her pocket, she was sitting next to Michelle in the back of the bus. ''So Michelle, I have some school work I have to pick up at my classmate's house. He lives a few blocks away from the next bus stop. I had a great day with you, so thanks.''
''I had a great day as well Hailey. You've learned me some wise lesions today, and I want to thank you for that.'' Michelle said as she gave the younger girl a hug.
''I see you soon.'' Hailey said.
''Bye.'' Michelle said before Hailey exited the bus. Hailey waited on the sidewalk until the bus drove away and then she grabbed her phone. She texted to Hunter:
'Hey Hunt, just wanted to let you know that Michelle will be home in less than five minutes from now
(-)
Hunter putted his phone back in his back after he had read Hailey's Michelle. ''Okay, everyone! I just got a message that Michelle will be here in less than five minutes! So turn of all the lights and search for an hiding spot!'' The A-Troupe listened to his commands and turned off all the lights and hided under the sofa, tables and behind doors. A short moment later they heard the a door open. The person stepped in the living room and turned on the lights. Everyone jumped out of their hiding spots and yelled: ''SURPRISE!'' The person who just came in was in absolute shock, but it wasn't Michelle. It was James.
''Dudes, I'm not a chick!'' James said while holding his chest. ''I came to say that I couldn't find West and Daniel. But I saw Daniel's car at the mall though.'' Again the heard the door open.
''Doesn't matter, James turn of the lights and hide!'' Hunter said as everyone hides again. As the person walked in the living room and turned on the lights. Everyone jumped from their spots again and yelled: ''SURPRISE!'' This time it was Michelle, she stood there in quiet shock as well put her scared gaze turned unto a happy grin.
''What is this.'' Michelle chuckled confused.
''It's a surprise party.'' Hunter said. ''We all felt very guilty about what happened earlier this afternoon, so we wanted to make it up with you.''
''You definitely surprised me.'' Michelle chuckled. ''You guys shouldn't had to, I really appreciate, I see that all of you had put so much effort into it. I want to thank all of you. I guess I overreacted a bit though.''
''You really need to thank Hunter, it was all his idea.'' Chloe said.
Michelle gave Hunter a hug. ''Thanks Hunter.''
''No problem Michelle.'' Hunter smiled. ''You deserve a great birthday.'' Michelle smiled back and gave the rest of the A-Team a hug.
''I love the decorations, by the way.'' Michelle said. ''And where are Daniel and West?''
''We don't know.'' Eldon said. ''We tried to reach them, but we couldn't.''
''Should we be worried.'' Michelle wondered.
''Of course not, they're old and mature enough.'' James said. A little moment later Giselle started the music.
''Let's get this party started!'' Giselle shouted.
(-)
A small 30 minutes later the party was still successful, Hailey joined the party in the main time and Daniel and West still hadn't arrived yet.
At the moment Beth walked up to Michelle. ''Hey Michelle.''
''Hi Beth.''
''I want to give you my present, " Beth mentioned. "So do you want to come with me?"
"Sure." Michelle said as she followed Beth towards their front door. "Why did you brought me over here?"
"Well, Hunter told me lately that you missed a certain person these last couple of weeks. So Hunter asked me if I could ask this person to come over on your birthday. I did it, and luckily enough the person said yes. This person took free from work and drove hundreds of miles just to visit you."
A huge smile appeared on Michelle's face. "Did you bring my mom to Toronto?" Michelle asked slightly excited. Beth chuckled.
"She's waiting outside." Beth smiled.
"This is the biggest surprise I got today." Michelle said as she gave Beth a tight hug. "It means a lot to me that I can finally see my mother again. Thanks a lot."They pulled away.
"Happy birthday Michelle." Beth smiled. "Now go see your mom." Michelle chuckled one more time before she opened the door, and ran to her mom to embrace her.
"I missed you so much mom." Michelle said during the hug.
"I missed you too honey." Her mother said back. "And a happy birthday." Michelle smiled.
"I still can't believe you actually made it. You are so busy with work lately..." Michelle said.
"I know," Her mother said. "Luckily, your friend Beth convinced me, I couldn't miss the most important birthday of my little gail. You are extremely lucky to have a friend like Beth."
"I guess I am." Michelle smiled. "Let's go inside mom, it's getting chilly out here."
Another 30 minutes went by and people still enjoyed the party. Michelle , who was sitting with her mom in the backyard, got a phone call. "Excuse me mom, I gotta pick this call." Michelle excused. Her mom smiled.
"Of course, no problem." Her mom said. Michelle then walked away to get a less noisy spot.
(-)
Meanwhile inside everyone was enjoying the party, they were dancing, talking eating and were having all a great time. During the party someone rang the doorbell. Thalia heard it and decided to open the door. When she opened the door she saw Daniel and West, exhausted and sweating while they were holding full bags in each hand.
''What happened to you two?" Thalia wondered. ''We were all waiting for you.''
We know…'' West said exhausted. ''Daniel… Car… Gasoline… Water!''
''Yeah, please water!'' Daniel mentioned as they stepped inside and immediately went to the table with all the drinks. Everyone looked the two with confused faces.
''They're you two are! We're were you?'' James asked.
''No talking, I just need water!'' Daniel said as he grabbed a bottle of water and finished it in a few seconds.
''Who are those?" Hailey asked to Chloe.
''That are West and Daniel.'' Chloe answered. ''Boys are weird, but West is crazy, crazy in a good way.'' She smiled. A moment later Michelle walked towards Hailey.
''Hailey, I have some great news for you!'' Michelle said excited.
''What is it?'' Hailey wondered.
''You remembered Phoebe right, she saw me and you dance this afternoon, and she thought that you were a great dancer. So you asked to me if you are interested at joining the open spot in J-Troupe!"
''That is amazing!'' Hailey said as she gave Michelle a hug.
''Congratulations Hailey.'' Chloe said.
''Thanks.'' Hailey replied.
''You just have to sign a few papers, but that won't be a problem, I guess.''
''Thanks, again Michelle! Today is surely one of the greatest day of my life.''
''Glad that I've been a part of that.'' Michelle said.
''Your standing at front? That's amazing! Wait there I'll be there in a minute.'' Hunter said before he putted his phone back in his pocket. He made his way to the front door, when he opened it he saw a girl his age with straight honey blonde hair, she was a couple of inches shorter than Hunter.
''Hey Marlena! It's great to see you again.'' Hunter greeted as he gave the girl a hug.
''I know, it's been way to long.'' Marlena said back. Marlena lives in Madison, she danced, went to school and was best friends with Hunter and Michelle back in Madison.
''How is life in Madison?'' Hunter asked.
''It's kind of boring since Michelle and you left Madison.'' Marlena said. ''But it's okay, everyone else is doing fine as well.''
''Great, come in.'' Hunter said. ''I just can't wait to see Michelle's face when she sees you.''
''Me too.'' Marlena chuckled. Hunter let Marlena in and pointed were Michelle sat. She thanked Hunter and walked towards Michelle and stood right behind her. She tapped Michelle on the shoulder. ''You remember me?'' Michelle turned around to see Marlena.
''Oh my gosh, Marlena!''Michelle said excited. ''I'd missed you a lot.''
''I missed you too, Michelle.'' Marlena said. ''We have so much to talk about.''
''I know, but what or who brought you here.'' Michelle wondered. Marlena smiled and pointed at the doorway, the place where Hunter stood. ''Did he?'' Marlena nodded. Michelle smiled. ''Is it okay if I thank him, I'll be right back.''
'''Sure, I have the time.'' Marlena smiled.
''Thanks.'' Michelle said. She walked up to Hunter. ''Hey Hunter, can I speak to you outside?''
''Sure.'' Hunter followed Michelle to her front porch, they sat down on the bench. ''So what do you wanted to talk about.''
''Well, I wanted to thank you for everything, this party, last morning… I just want to thank for all those years. I'm so grateful that I have a friend like you, you're one of the most important person in my life and I wanted to say that I love you.'' Michelle said. Hunter smiled and looked directly right.
''I love you too, Michelle.'' Hunter said. Michelle blushed as she looked Hunter in the eyes as well. Michelle slowly leaned in and closed her eyes before she touched Hunter's lips with hers. After Michelle pulled away a few seconds later, she actually realized what she had done.
''Oh my-… I'm sorry Hunter, I didn't know why I did that.'' She said ashamed as she blushed like crazy. Hunter smiled.
''It's okay Michelle.'' Hunter calmed her down. ''Your birthday is over in just a few hours.'' Hunter stood up and took out his hand towards Michelle. ''Want to come and inside and dance with me?''
Michelle gladly took his hand and smiled. ''I'd love that.''
(-)
Michelle was preparing for sleeping. The party was over and everybody went home, including Michelle's mother and Marlena. When she was about to sleep she remembered something, the USB-stick Hunter gave her. So she quickly turned on her laptop, she attached the USB to her laptop. She then clicked on the file and saw-
I guess I can't show you what's in that USB. Michelle promised Hunter that she will be watching this alone since this was a personal thing. I'm sorry :P
However this is the end of Chapter 6. I hoped you enjoyed these two 'special' chapters.
I'm a sorry the party-part was a bit rushed. I didn't want the chapter to be too long.
Let me know what you thought of this chapter :)
Just to let you know, next week's update will be a lit late as well, probably on Sunday, because I will be going away for a few days in Germany.
Enjoy your weekend and I see you soon! :)
Ciao!